During the 25th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting held in Brunei on April 27–28, Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane conducted five bilateral meetings aimed at expanding ties with European nations. The discussions took place in the context of Laos' preparations for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, expected by 2029.
A key outcome was the signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement with Lithuania. Foreign Ministers Thongsavanh and Kestutis Budrys agreed to establish a formal consultation mechanism between their ministries. The agreement covers trade, investment, tourism, clean energy, digital transformation, and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance. Both sides also celebrated over 30 years of diplomatic relations, which began in September 1994.
With Portugal, the Lao minister and Secretary of State Ana Isabel Xavier reaffirmed three decades of diplomatic ties (since 1995). The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, education, clean energy, and UXO clearance. Laos extended an invitation to Portugal to attend the Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, to be hosted by Vientiane later this year.
In a meeting with Austria—one of Laos' longest-standing European partners, with relations dating back to 1967—both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation, with plans to mark the 60th anniversary of ties in 2027 as a milestone for enhanced partnership.
During talks with Cyprus, the two countries reviewed their relationship since 2000 and explored new avenues for engagement. Laos briefed Cypriot representatives on its national development priorities and strategy for transitioning from LDC status.
The final meeting was with Slovakia. Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, education, and development assistance, reinforcing Laos' engagement with Central European partners.
Across all meetings, Laos consistently emphasized its upcoming LDC graduation as an opportunity to attract European development support and forge new economic partnerships ahead of 2029.
Source: www.tourismlaos.org
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